Public mixed on how to revive Manatee County urban corridors

The proposed changes to the Manatee County land development code intended to encourage redevelopment along six urban corridors were met with mixed feelings during a public workshop Wednesday evening.

Littlejohn Engineering Associations, an Orlando-based consultant, presented the proposed changes to the land development code, which implements the comprehensive plan for urban corridors.

“We can bring this area back to life,” said Pat Tyjeski, a senior planner for Littlejohn.

Sandy Marshall of the Federation of Manatee County Community Associations questioned whether there was enough protection in place for existing neighborhoods.

“You need to do something to protect the people who are already there,” he said. “These people deserve to have some protection and I don’t see it here. They are not wanting this to turn into another Miami or Fort Lauderdale.”

The changes are only going to improve the neighborhoods, said Dave Gustafson, former Bradenton Downtown Development director.

“I really think this is a necessity to come into areas that are almost neglected and in areas that are forgotten,” he said. “I think this is a real benefit to the community.”

The Manatee County Commission must approve the proposed changes before they go into effect. The first required public hearings are scheduled for June 9 for the planning commission and June 21 for the county commission.

This story was originally published June 1, 2016 at 7:38 PM with the headline "Public mixed on how to revive Manatee County urban corridors."